Adelaide: In the ongoing Ashes series, a familiar battle has unfolded at the Adelaide Oval. Ben Stokes, the resilient English captain, found himself once again at the mercy of Australia’s Mitchell Starc. Both players, seasoned adversaries, were acutely aware of each other’s strategies. Yet, it was Starc who emerged victorious, dismissing Stokes for the 12th time in Test cricket.
Stokes’ dismissal came after a grueling 198-ball innings, a testament to his determination to keep England’s Ashes hopes alive. Despite battling cramp, dehydration, and the relentless Australian sun, Stokes faced Starc’s in-ducking deliveries with the same grit that has defined his career. However, his frustration was palpable as he trudged back to the boundary, visibly upset at his inability to counter Starc’s tactics.
Starc’s Dominance: A Historical Perspective
Mitchell Starc’s ability to consistently outsmart Ben Stokes is not a recent development. Over the course of 18 Tests, Starc has dismissed Stokes more times than any other fast bowler. This includes six instances of clean-bowling the English skipper, a feat unmatched by any of Starc’s contemporaries.
Stokes, known for his formidable defense, has been a thorn in Australia’s side, particularly during the Ashes. His record includes several half-centuries painstakingly crafted across numerous balls, including 159 in Adelaide (2025) and 152 at Headingley (2019). Yet, Starc’s evolution as a bowler, particularly his mastery of the wobble seam, has allowed him to exploit even the slightest gaps in Stokes’ defense.
The Tactical Chess Game
Starc’s strategy against Stokes is as much about psychological warfare as it is about physical skill. The left-armer has developed a deep understanding of Stokes’ game, dating back to the 2015 Ashes series. By drawing Stokes into a full-blooded drive, Starc has repeatedly found success, turning the Englishman’s strength into a weakness.
In the recent encounter at Adelaide, Starc’s classic set-up was on full display. After pushing Stokes back with deliveries outside off stump, Starc delivered a fuller, tighter ball that nipped back between Stokes’ bat and pad. It was a textbook dismissal, one that Stokes had anticipated but was powerless to prevent.
Implications for England
The dismissal of Stokes was a turning point in the day’s play. England, having reduced Australia’s lead to 85 in the first session, lost momentum after lunch. Stokes’ field placements were puzzling, with Jofra Archer bowling to a defensive field that allowed easy runs for Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne.
Adding to England’s woes, Stokes did not bowl due to a suspected groin issue, a decision that raised eyebrows given his history of pushing through injuries for the team’s sake. This latest setback adds to the growing list of challenges facing England on this tour.
“Stokes’ defense is arguably the best in world cricket when he sets his mind to it.” – Cricket Analyst
Looking Ahead
As the series progresses, the rivalry between Starc and Stokes is set to continue. Stokes will undoubtedly face Starc again in the coming days, fully aware of the challenge that awaits him. For Starc, the opportunity to further cement his dominance over one of cricket’s finest all-rounders is a tantalizing prospect.
For cricket enthusiasts, this ongoing duel is a reminder of the sport’s enduring appeal, where strategy, skill, and mental fortitude converge on the field. As the Ashes series unfolds, the cricketing world will be watching closely to see how this storied rivalry evolves.
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